What Are You Afraid Of?

Fears are something most of us struggle with. Some of our fears are irrational and we don’t understand where they came from or how to deal with them. It might be a fear of sudden death, heights, spiders, darkness, and mice as some people have mentioned in the forum. Others may have some root cause in childhood or past experiences e.g. a fear of water after nearly drowning. The Bible tells us ‘perfect love casts out fear,’ 1 John 4:18. If we trust in the Lord then we should be able to seek His help in dealing with those fears … Continue reading →

Fear of Death

In the forums we have been discussing fears. Beth recently wrote a blog about people’s fear of death. At the time I suggested ‘To have assurance of a life beyond death makes all the difference in the way it is approached.’ Beth wasn’t convinced ‘Possibly so, but I know many people who would consider themselves to be religious and yet cannot face talking about their own mortality. I guess it is often a case of “everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die!” Yet I know some people who have their funeral all planned, right down to … Continue reading →

Dealing With Jealousy – part 3

Over the last two days we’ve looked at reasons for jealousy. A third reason people are often jealous of others is because of what they have. If you are jealous of others because of what they own, then I suggest you need to make a list – not necessarily of what you own but of all the blessings God has given you. You will soon see how much you have to be thankful for. I’m a great one for lists and the making of lists which identify blessings God has given me is one I have found particularly helpful. What … Continue reading →

Dealing With Jealousy – part 2

Yesterday we looked at some reasons for jealousy. But what of you are jealous of someone’s appearance? If you are jealous of another person because of their appearance, stop and analyze your own good qualities. These may include good cheekbones, a smile that lights up your face, expressive eyes, a good figure, a beautiful head of hair, etc. Whatever your best features are, try and make the best of them and draw attention away from those areas you do not consider to be as attractive. If is because of their appearance you need to realize you are never going to … Continue reading →

Dealing with Jealousy – part 1

Yesterday we looked at examples of jealousy in the Bible and the destructive situations jealousy can cause. We only have to look around us on any given day to see jealousy at work in our world, between siblings and family members, work colleagues, neighbors, film and TV stars, sportspeople, the list goes on. We might even struggle with jealousy in our lives. Where does jealousy stem from? It often stems from our own insecurities and lack of self confidence or fear. What is jealousy? According to Webster, the word jealous means “resentful and envious, as of someone’s success, achievements, advantages…” … Continue reading →

Jealousy and Its Close Relatives

Jealousy is an extremely destructive emotion that often leads to other sins. The Bible recounts a number of incidents of jealousy. Here are a few from the Old Testament. Rachel was jealous of Leah because her sister had children by Jacob and she did not, Genesis 30:1. Joseph’s brothers were jealous because Joseph was the favored son of his father, Genesis 37:11. Saul was jealous of David for the praise and popularity he had with the people, 1 Samuel 18:7-9, 16. David’s prosperity because God was with him and not Saul, 1 Samuel 18:14-15 provided another reason for Saul’s jealousy, … Continue reading →

Why Am I Here? – Part 1

Have you ever had to live in a place where you would not choose to be? But you are there because of work, or family, circumstances, or perhaps because God directed you there. I’ve been in that position at varying times in my life. God showed some important truths during these times. I admit, I haven’t always been as receptive to learn them as I could have been. But here are some of the things I learned during these times. ‘From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the … Continue reading →

This Is Why I Sing – part 2

Here is the second part of my list of praise points. I praise God for: Pansies and their happy faces coming out in our garden, also azaleas, primulas,and our first yellow daffodil is out. Human beings don’t ever seem to be able to produce that brilliant clear yellow God does in daffodils and wattle. Studying I John 3 with our Bible study home group I John 3 highlights the love of God and adoption into His family and the hope we have. It also teaches the importance of not continuing to practice sin but aiming to be increasingly holy in … Continue reading →

This Is Why I Sing – Part 1

Another end of a week and instead of a week in review I’m going to do another week of praise points. This is the first part. I praise God for: Dreams, hopes and aspirations. God’s wisdom in realizing I was unable because of illness to do a job I’d been asked to do and not trying to push myself to do the impossible. God’s enabling leading the music on Sunday and the great songs chosen which focused on what an Indescribable and awesome God we serve and that He is Holy but our sins are forgiven and we are washed … Continue reading →

A Week Of Praise

It’s good to be reminded of the big and little ways God provides for us and the everyday blessings we can tend to take for granted. So often we forget to praise God for His goodness. So here is my week of praise and blessings. I praise God for: Safety when traveling. A special time together with family. My footy team, the Sydney Swans, won. God’s wisdom in solving a problem with a neighbor. Enabling leading singing on Sunday and a great selection of songs which fitted in perfectly with the sermon topic. Our minister’s support and encouragement for the … Continue reading →